Community Recognition Fund 2024

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This funding is specifically targeted at projects that are located in communities, towns and villages that are hosting the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants (‘new arrivals’) including towns identified for the rapid build homes programme. The Fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community. It is separate in its objectives and scope to any other public funding streams which aim to support the development of public service needs arising from the significant number of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.

The proposal must demonstrate that the funding is targeted at, and specifically invested in, those communities, villages and towns where the highest level of new arrivals are located and where there is a clear need for investment identified.  In Monaghan the areas with the highest number of new arrivals from Ukraine and other countries are: Monaghan, Carrickmacross, Clones and Ballybay.

Projects situated in areas that do not have high levels of new arrivals will not be eligible for funding under the Community Recognition Fund 2024.

Type of projects eligible for funding are:

  • development, enhancement or refurbishment of community or cultural facilities including play areas, walkways, parks, community/sensory gardens, allotments, and recreational areas;
  • development, enhancement or refurbishment of local club and sports facilities including facilities such as community swimming pools, changing rooms, toilets, digital aids such as score / information boards etc.;
  • enhancement to school/parish facilities which are open to use by all of the community after school hours;
  • purchase of equipment for local clubs, festivals, community events and organisations e.g. music, arts or sports equipment;
  • transport infrastructure such as the purchase of community vehicles, bus shelters and attendant information boards; (any vehicle funded must be in good condition and not more than 5 years old)
  • projects that help address dereliction and/or wider local economic and community development objectives;
  • purchase and refurbishment of vacant or derelict buildings for community use where a clear need is identified.
  • Purchase of land and associated works for the development of community facilities such as play areas/ MUGAs or town parks/ community gardens, recreational areas etc. (purchases must only be administered by the local authority).

The minimum level of funding for an individual project is €50,000 with a maximum of €500,000 applying.

If you have a proposed project that is suitable for submission under the Community Recognition Fund and demonstrates the ability to be of benefit to the wider community, can be completed within the required timeframes and is within the identified areas, further information can be downloaded from https://monaghan.ie/communitydevelopment/2024/04/05/community-recognition-fund-2024/

Information Sessions

As part of the process, the Council’s Rural and Community Development & Municipal District Staff will be liaising with and available to meet with community groups in host communities to assist them in identifying projects that might be eligible for funding under the Scheme.

Information Sessions will be held on the following dates:

  • Clones – Monday 15th April 2024 from 4.30 p.m. until 6.30 p.m. in the offices of the Municipal District of Ballybay/Clones, The Diamond, Clones
  • Carrickmacross – Tuesday 16th April 2024 from 6.00 p.m. until 8.00 p.m. in the offices of the Municipal District of Carrickmacross/Castleblayney, Riverside Road, Carrickmacross
  • Monaghan – Wednesday 17h April 2024 from 5.00 p.m. until 7.00 p.m. in the Market House, Market Street, Monaghan
  • Ballybay – Thursday 18th April 2024 from 6.30 p.m. until 8.30 p.m. in the Board Room, Ballybay Youth Centre, Birch Court, Ballybay

As in previous years, applications will be assessed on a competitive basis.

Please ensure that you have fully completed the application form before submitting.

All Expressions of Interest applications should be received no later than 4.00 p.m. on Wednesday 1st May 2024 by email to crf@monaghancoco.ie

Late application’s will not be considered after the closing date.

Attention All Dog Owners

Posted on By jmcanenly

There are lots of lambs in the fields.

Every year in Monaghan, there are many attacks on sheep by dogs, particularly around lambing time.

These attacks cause great cruelty to sheep and lambs.

These attacks result in serious losses for the farmer.

Any dog, large or small, may become involved in attacking sheep – MAKE SURE YOUR DOG DOESN’T GET THE CHANCE!

If you own a dog or dogs, you are required to:

  • Keep your dog under control at all times. This means not allowing your dog off your property unaccompanied.
  • Have a microchip certificate of registration which proves that your dog is microchipped and registered to you. (Required since 2016)
  • Ensure that every dog under your control wears a collar bearing the name and address of the owner at all times and that the name and address are legible.
  • Have a current licence for each dog in your possession or a general dog licence to cover all dogs in your possession. YOU CAN NOW BUY YOUR DOG LICENCE ONLINE AT monaghan.ie

PLEASE KEEP YOUR DOG LICENCED, TAGGED, MICROCHIPPED AND UNDER CONTROL

Brendan Smyth

County Veterinary Officer

11th April 2024

Temporary Closing of Coolshannagh Road

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Monaghan County Council gives notice of its intention to close the following road in the Municipal District of Monaghan in County Monaghan:

Date of Closure – 29th April 2024 – 3rd May 2024

Times: 8am Monday to 6pm Friday (local access only)  

To Facilitate: Uisce Éireann in the Installation of a New Manhole for a sewer connection to a new development.

Road Closed:  LS-5182 Coolshannagh Road (Ballyalbany Bridge)

Diversion Routes:

An alternative route will be signed with traffic being diverted via:

Traffic travelling north will be diverted on to the N54 national road, taking the first exit onto the N2 national road, then a left turn onto Cluain Ard (L16302)

Traffic travelling south will be diverted on to Cluain Ard (L16302), taking a right on to the N2 national road, and taking the third exit on to the N54 national road.

Any interested person may lodge an objection to the closing of the above-mentioned roads with the Head of Roads, Monaghan County Council, MTEK II Building, Knockaconny, Monaghan not later than Tuesday 16th April 2024.  Any objections must be clearly marked on envelope “Objection To Road Closure”.

This notice complies with the Roads Act 1993 (Section 75)

Kevin West

A/Senior Engineer

11th April 2024

Landfill Remediation Project at Killycard

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Notice of Application to An Bord Pleanála for Approval for

Killycard Closed Landfill Remediation Project at Killycard, Castleblayney, County Monaghan

Pursuant to Section 177AE of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the requirements of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), notice is hereby given that Monaghan County Council proposes to seek the approval of An Bord Pleanála for the completion of Closed Landfill Remediation Works at a Closed Landfill site in Killycard, Castleblayney, County Monaghan.

The application site, as defined by the red line boundary in the accompanying drawings, is 2.25ha in size. The proposed capping area within the application site is 1.34ha in size.

The proposed development will consist of the following:

  • The development of a site access.
  • The development of a temporary site compound and office area for the duration of the works.
  • Invasive species management.
  • Site clearance, including the removal of an existing gate, existing timber post and wire fencing and clearance of existing vegetation.
  • Grading/profiling of the existing site area.
  • Installation of an engineered landfill capping system covering an area of 1.34 ha.
  • Installation of surface and subsurface surface water drainage infrastructures.
  • Installation of passive landfill gas management infrastructure.
  • The installation of stock proof fencing, and a new access gate on-site.
  • Landscaping of the final formation of the capping area using a high value multi species grass cover.

The proposed development will ensure compliance with conditions of a Closed Landfill Certificate of Authorization pertaining to the site granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (CoA Ref: H0364-01).

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of the proposed development.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Report for the proposed development has been carried out and has determined that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development and has determined that an EIAR is not required.

The Board may give approval to the application for development with or without conditions or may refuse the application for development.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development, including Natura Impact Statement, will be available for inspection free of charge, or for purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the following offices of Monaghan County Council:

  • Environmental Services Department, Monaghan County Council, Civic Offices, Riverside Road, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, A81RY22.
  • Carrickmacross Castleblayney Municipal District Office, Civic Offices, Riverside Road, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, A81RY22.

between the hours of 9.15am to 1.00pm and 1.30pm to 5.00pm each day during which said Offices are open for the transaction of business, for a period from Wednesday the 24th of April 2024 to Wednesday the 12th of June 2024 (inclusive of both dates) and at the following offices of An Bord Pleanála:

  • An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough St, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 V902

between the hours of 9:15am to 5:30pm each day during which said Offices are open from the transaction of business, for a period from Wednesday the 24th of April 2024 to Wednesday the 12th of June 2024 (inclusive of both dates).

Plans and particulars of the proposed development, including the Natura Impact Statement, are also available for viewing on Monaghan County Council’s online consultation portal (www.monaghan.ie) from Wednesday the 24th of April 2024 to Wednesday the 12th of June 2024 (inclusive of both dates).

Submissions or observations regarding the proposed development may be made in writing to An Bord Pleanála (with an address of (64 Marlborough St, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 V902) during the period from Wednesday the 24th of April 2024 to Wednesday the 12th of June 2024 (inclusive of both dates) in relation to:

  1. the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development;
  2. the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area in which it is proposed to situate the proposed development; and
  3. the likely significant effects of the proposed development on a European Site, if carried out.

Submissions or observations are to be received no later than 5.30pm on Wednesday the 12th of June 2024.

A person may question the validity of any such decision by An Bord Pleanála by way of an application for judicial review under Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Courts as provided for in Section 50 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2022. Further information can be obtained from An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902 in respect of the judicial review procedure.

Further information in respect of the Judicial Review process can also be found on www.citizensinformation.ie Contact Lo Call 1890 777 121 or + 353 21 452 1600 for details of the locations and operating hours of your local Citizens Information Centre.

Signed: Patricia Monahan,

Director of Services,

Directorate of Climate Action, Environmental and Water Services.

Date: 11th April 2024

Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Grant available for small & medium sized businesses!

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As part of Budget 2024, the Government signed off on a package of €257m for the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Grant as a vital measure for small and medium businesses.  This initiative is funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment.

The grant is available to qualifying businesses as a contribution towards the rising costs faced by businesses and is based on the value of your Commercial Rates bill from 2023.

For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of <€10,000, the ICOB grant will be paid at a rate of 50% of the business’s Commercial Rate bill for 2023 and for qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of between €10,000 and €30,000, the ICOB grant will be €5,000.

Eligible businesses will receive a once-off grant payment. The amount of the grant payable to eligible businesses is based on the value of the Commercial Rates bill the business received in 2023. However, it is not a Commercial Rates waiver and businesses should continue to pay their Commercial Rates bill as normal.

What is the purpose of the grant?

The grant is available to qualifying businesses as a contribution towards the rising costs faced by businesses. The grant is intended to aid businesses but is not intended to directly compensate for all increases in wages, or other costs, for every business.

How much is the grant?

The grant is based on the value of the Commercial Rates bill received by an eligible business in 2023.

  • For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of <€10,000, the ICOB grant will be paid at a rate of 50% of the business’s Commercial Rate bill for 2023,
  • For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of between €10,000 and €30,000, the ICOB grant will be €5,000,
  • Businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rates bill greater than €30,000 are not eligible to receive an ICOB grant.

 

What businesses are eligible to receive the grant?

The following are the main qualifying criteria:

  • Your business must be a commercially trading business currently operating from a property that is commercially rateable,
  • Your business must have been trading on 1st February 2024 and you must intend to continue trading for at least three months from the date you verify your information,
  • You must provide confirmation of your bank details,
  • Your business must be rates compliant. Businesses in performing payment plans may be deemed to be compliant,
  • Your business must be tax compliant and must possess a valid Tax Registration Number (TRN).

 

Please note that Monaghan County Council reserves the right to claw back any grant payment which is later found to be incorrect. This includes any circumstances such as error by the recipient business or the local authority making the payment, or where a business makes a false declaration of eligibility.

How soon can businesses avail of the grant?

An online system has been developed to manage submissions.  Eligible businesses have been issued an invitation letter with a PIN for registration.

What is the closing date?

The closing date for businesses to confirm eligibility and to upload verification details will be    1st May 2024.

Where can I find out further information?

If you have queries regarding your Commercial Rates account including outstanding balances, contact Monaghan County Council at icob@monaghancoco.ie

Our team are happy to discuss any balances outstanding on your rates and what steps can be taken to ensure compliance with the scheme.

Notice Publishing Commencement of Audit

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NOTICE PUBLISHING COMMENCEMENT OF AUDIT

MONAGHAN COUNTY COUNCIL

 

Notice is hereby given that the audit of the accounts of the above-named local government organisation for the financial year ended on 31st day of December 2023, will be commenced by Martin White, Local Government Auditor, on the 10th April 2024  In accordance with article 17 of the Local Government (Financial and Audit Procedures) Regulations 2014, objections to any matter or matters contained in the said several accounts will be considered by the Local Government Auditor during the audit.

Written notice of any proposed objection, setting out the relevant particulars and grounds on which it is to be made, should be sent to the above Local Government Auditor at Monaghan County Council, The Glen, Monaghan, within ten days of the commencement of the audit.

The annual financial statement will be available during office hours for the inspection of all persons for a period of seven days before the commencement of the audit.

Dated this 4th day of April 2024

Robert Burns

Chief Executive

 

FÓGRA LENA bhFOILSÍTEAR TÚS AN INIÚCHTA

COMHAIRLE CONTAE MHUINEACHÁIN

 

Tugtar fógra leis seo go gcuirfidh Martin White, Iniúchóir Rialtais Áitiúil, tús leis an iniúchadh ar chuntais na heagraíochta rialtais áitiúil thuasluaite don bhliain airgeadais dar críoch an 31 Nollaig 2023 ar an 10 Aibreán 2024. De réir airteagal 17 de Rialacháin 2014 maidir le Rialtais Áitiúla (Nósanna Imeachta Airgeadais agus Iniúchta, breithneoidh an tIniúchóir Rialtais Áitiúil agóidí in aghaidh aon ní atá sna cuntais éagsúla sin le linn an iniúchta.

Ba cheart fógra scríofa maidir le haon agóid bheartaithe, ina leagtar amach na sonraí agus na forais ábhartha ar a ndéanfar an agóid, a chur chuig an Iniúchóir Rialtais Áitiúil thuasluaite ag an seoladh Comhairle Contae Mhuineacháin, An Gleann, Muineachán, laistigh de 10 lá ó thús an iniúchta.

Beidh an ráiteas airgeadais bliantúil ar fáil le linn uaireanta oifige lena iniúchadh ag gach duine ar feadh tréimhse 7 lá roimh thús an iniúchta.

Arna dhátú an 4 Aibreán 2024

Robert Burns

Príomhfheidhmeannach

Monaghan County Council lodge planning for an exciting new Civic Headquarters at Rooskey Monaghan

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Proposed new Civic Office Headquarters

Monaghan County Council recently submitted a Part VIII Planning Application for new Civic Offices located at the Rooskey Lands in Monaghan Town. The purpose of the development is to consolidate and improve Monaghan County Council’s civic facilities, office accommodation and improve our customer service offering. The project will ultimately lead to service efficiency improvements by  lowering operational costs; by eliminating current office rental arrangements and reducing the Local Authority’s energy demand. The new office accommodation will have a gross floor area of 5,601m2, distributed over three tiered floors, incorporating an entrance foyer, office spaces, meeting rooms, a staff canteen, council chamber, customer service desks, welfare facilities and internal landscaped courtyards. The planning application also provides for a new Rooskey Lands access road, improved pedestrian and cycle links, a car park and all associated site development works.

The proposed Civic Offices marks the first phase of an ambitious economic development and regeneration strategy for the Rooskey Lands and Dublin Street areas. The project is aligned with the provisions of the Rooskey Master Plan and the approved Variations of the County Monaghan Development Plan. The Masterplan and approved Variations seek to regenerate an area in urban decline, generate employment and contribute to the creation of a new urban quarter, whilst integrating successfully with the established built-up area of the town and providing a consolidated home for Local Authority service provision. The project will also act as a catalyst for the regeneration of Dublin Street and its back lands, making Monaghan a better place to work, live and visit.

Some of the Key features of the Project are identified in Image 1 and described briefly below.

Pedestrian Access to Diamond Centre/Square

The project Architects Henry J Lyons, propose a number of pedestrian and cycle paths through the site linking directly to the town centre through the Diamond Car Park, Dublin Street and Old Cross Square areas.

Active Travel Access Road to Roosky Lands

The town centre site encourages sustainable modes of travel. The proposed new access to the Rooskey Lands and Civic Offices provides dedicated cycle lanes and pedestrian footpaths which link to the existing Ulster Canal Greenway, St Davnet’s Healthcare and Monaghan Harps GAA Club, promoting active modes of travel for locals and visitors. The new Rooskey Lands access road will also provide the vehicular route for people arriving to avail of Monaghan County Council services, as well as providing access to the remaining Roosky Lands for future mixed use development.

Farney Place

The Public Plaza marks the entrance to the Civic Offices and provides visitor and accessible parking spaces. Farney Place is also one of the key pedestrian spaces; connecting the proposed Dublin Street North Regeneration Plan and the future development of the Rooskey Lands.

Infirmary Hill Walk

The existing pedestrian path beside the Old Infirmary and leading to St Davnet’s HSE facility is proposed to be widened and upgraded from Old Cross Square, it will intersect with the proposed pedestrian and cycle facility on St. Davnet’s Row and on to Farney Place.

Monaghan County Council

Image 1. Bird’s Eye View from Old Cross Square – The proposed new Civic Offices for Monaghan County Council will provide a modern, inclusive building which engages with the town and serves its population through an enhanced public realm design and high-quality architecture.

Image 2. Bird’s Eye View from Dublin Street North – The scale and massing of the Proposed Civic Offices has been carefully considered to provide an appropriate and sympathetic interface between the proposed site and existing properties of Dublin Street and the Apartments of The Diamond Centre.

Image 3. Approach from Diamond Square – Pedestrian movement, cycling and the creation of public spaces are defining principals of the site strategy, improving the connections with the existing network of streets and the future connections proposed in the Dublin Street North masterplan.

Image 4. Approach from proposed new Roosky Access Road – The consideration of scale started at the site edges and perimeters with the concept of three volumes being placed centrally on the site. These three volumes are interlinked and overlap each other to sit comfortably on the site, framed by a series of landscaped spaces.

Image 5. Approach from Farney Place – Farney Place is one of the key pedestrian spaces. The public plaza is designed to be flexible to allow for community events while also catering for the daily needs of customers and visitors.